The National Committee for Lutheran World Federation in Indonesia (KN-LWF) in collaboration with the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) and the Lutheran Church of Australia New Zealand (LCANZ), facilitated a Leadership Training Program for the leaders of the Lutheran churches in Indonesia. The aim of this program was to enhance and deepen the Lutheran theology and […]

The National Committee for Lutheran World Federation in Indonesia (KN-LWF) in collaboration with the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) and the Lutheran Church of Australia New Zealand (LCANZ), facilitated a Leadership Training Program for the leaders of the Lutheran churches in Indonesia. The aim of this program was to enhance and deepen the Lutheran theology and identity of the leaders, as well as cultivate a stronger foundation as they support the ministry of the churches in Indonesia. This initiative underlines LWF and LCANZ’s commitment to empowering church leaders to become effective stewards of their faith communities, equipped to guide and serve their congregations with renewed wisdom and strength.

The Leadership Training Program was held at the LCANZ churchwide office and Australian Lutheran College in North Adelaide during August. This beautiful location offered an inspiring backdrop for the church leaders to engage in learning, reflection, and fellowship.

Throughout the program, attending leaders learnt and discussed a variety of topics designed to expand their understanding of important areas of Lutheran theology and ministry. The training series included modules on: Pastoral Theology, Biblical Reconciliation, Lutheran Difference, Augsburg Confession of Faith and Preaching. By engaging in these comprehensive modules, the Indonesians gained deeper insights into the theological foundations of their faith, and learnt effective pastoral advocacy strategies, the principles of reconciliation rooted in the Scriptures, and the distinctive characteristics that define the Lutheran tradition.

This program went beyond theoretical knowledge; it fostered practical application as the Indonesians reflected on sermons and cultivated skills which enable them to communicate their faith message with clarity, relevance, and impact.

The Indonesian visitors were generously hosted for meals by Glenice and Jeff Hartwich, Langmeil Lutheran church in Tanunda, Immanuel Lutheran church in North Adelaide and St Paul’s Lutheran in McLaren Vale. On Sunday the group worshipped with: Victor Harbor Lutheran, St Peter’s Lutheran in Blackwood, Strathalbyn Lutheran, St Peters Lutheran in Keyneton, St John’s Lutheran in Dernancourt, St John’s Lutheran in Ebenezer, Pilgrim Lutheran in Neukirch, Tea Tree Gully Lutheran, Trinity Lutheran in Pasadena, Bethlehem Lutheran in Adelaide, Christ Church Lutheran in Murray Bridge and St Paul Lutheran in Blair Athol.

Participants of the program included Gereja Kristen Luther Indonesia (GKLI) Bishop Jon Saragih, Gereja Protestan Persekutuan (GPP) Bishop Makmur Simaremare, Gereja Angowuloa Masehi Indonesia Nias (AMIN) Bishop Sarofati Gea, Gereja Kristen Protestan Indonesia (GKPI) Bishop Abdul Hutauruk, Huria Kristen Indonesia (HKI) Ephorus Firman Sibarani, Banua Niha Keriso Protestan (BNKP) Ephorus Otoriteit Dakhi, Gereja Punguan Kristen Batak (GPKB) Ephorus Ramses Pandiangan, Orahua Niha Keriso Protestan (ONKP) Ephorus Matias Daeli, Gereja Kristen Protestan Angkola (GKPA) Ephorus Ramos Simanjuntak, Gereja Kristen Protestan di Mentawai (GKPM) Ephorus Parlindungan Sababalat and Huria Kristen Batak Protestan (HKBP) Ephorus Robinson Butarbutar. LCA International Mission scholarship recipient Fotani Ziliwu and Ephorus Robinson’s wife Srimiaty Rayani Simatupang were also in attendance. They all enthusiastically immersed themselves in the enriching experience they had in Adelaide, aimed at reinforcing their leadership skills, theological insights, and pastoral practice.

The opportunity to meet with the LCANZ bishops added a unique dimension to the experience, allowing for cross-cultural exchange and networking with fellow Lutheran leaders.

Participants returned to their respective congregations with fresh insights, strengthened theological convictions, and a deeper purpose. KN-LWF hopes to witness the positive impact of this initiative as these church leaders continue to lead and serve in the spirit of the Lutheran tradition.

If you would like to consider the opportunity to serve as a volunteer in mission, serving in practical ways, teaching English, teaching in the seminaries and institutions of our partner churches, or in local churches, you are invited to phone LCA International Mission on (08) 8267 7317 or email lcaim@lca.org.au. For more information, go to https://www.lcamission.org.au/join-gods-mission/volunteer/

Read more stories about volunteering at https://www.lcamission.org.au/category/join-gods-mission/volunteers/